As health secretary between 2010 and 2012, he put forward a bowelscope screening to test for cancer from the age of 55 which he meant to roll out nationally in England by the end of 2016.

He said: "A lack of endoscopists and difficulties with IT have frustrated delivery."

Lord Lansley said he would have been been called up automatically if the scheme had been fully implemented.

He added: "I want to know that for others like me in future, with better knowledge about symptoms, with earlier improved screening in place, and with a new focus on personalised preventative medicine, it really isn't about luck."